US conducts military drills in Panama Canal amid Trump's China influence concerns
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To kick off the drills, three US Army helicopters arrived in Panama on Sunday – two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and a CH-47 Chinook – landing at the Panama-Pacific Airport, formerly the US Howard base.
Michael Palacios, subcommissioner of Panama's National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), said the exercises would prepare Panama's forces, as well as countries in the region, against any threats to the security and defence of the canal.
US soldiers conducted similar exercises in Panama a month ago, under a bilateral agreement that allows Washington to use Panamanian air and naval bases for training without establishing its own bases.
The agreement sparked protests in the Central American country, and came amid pressure from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to reclaim the canal.
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Donald Trump goes light on China on Day 1, except where the Panama Canal is concerned
Donald Trump goes light on China on Day 1, except where the Panama Canal is concerned
He has repeatedly claimed that China has too much influence over the canal, which handles about 40 per cent of US container traffic and five per cent of world trade.
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